Love is in the Air – A Tribute to Cargo Bikes
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the great loves of my life. And one, in particular, stands out —our family cargo bike!!! This morning, as I pedalled my kids to school, it dawned on me that it has been the better part of ten years since a cargo bike became an integral part of our daily lives, shaping our routines, our journeys, and even our relationships.
As a bike shop owner, I’ve had the privilege of trying numerous cargo bike models, each uniquely suited to different needs. There truly is no one-size-fits-all solution—different strokes for different folks. But what unites all cargo bike users is the deep-seated love for this incredible invention. At Greenaer, we’ve spent years matching families, commuters, and businesses with the right cargo bike solutions—because no two riders are the same.
Over the years, our cargo bike has been so much more than just a mode of transport. It has been a vessel for connection. It has carried me and my wife on dates, offered a snuggly, blanket-wrapped haven for my kids as we recapped the day on the ride home from school, and even—on most occasions—been the preferred mode of transport over the family car (much to my delight). I still remember the first time my eldest fell asleep in the cargo bike on the way home, bundled in blankets as the city lights flickered past. That was the moment I knew—this was more than transport; it was a lifestyle.
It has also been an unlikely workhorse, transporting everything from weekly groceries to the downright absurd, including a 20ft ladder (not recommended or strictly legal, but memorable nonetheless). It carried my father when he struggled to walk, allowing him to experience the joy of cycling without the physical strain. That sense of freedom, of moving effortlessly from point A to point B without worrying about parking, fuel, or congestion—it’s a feeling that never gets old.
The sight of more and more families embracing the cargo bike lifestyle fills me with pride. Watching parents and kids experience the exhilaration of riding together, taking the dog out for a spin, or loading up for a beach trip—it’s a clear sign of a revolution in motion. The financial savings alone make sense, but what truly matters is the joy, the freedom, and the sheer convenience of daily cargo bike life. Studies show that 25% of car journeys in urban areas could easily be replaced by cargo bikes. Imagine the difference that would make to congestion and air quality.
Having cycled with cargo bikes across different countries and landscapes, their versatility never ceases to amaze me. They just work—whether in bustling cities, along scenic coastal routes, or through quiet country lanes. As cargo bikes become more common on Irish streets, we’re seeing a shift. Fewer second cars, more joyful school runs, less congestion. The movement is growing, and we’re here for it. The rest of Europe has embraced cargo bikes as the smarter way to move—why not us?
But as my kids grow, I know there will come a time when they no longer fit together in that cozy cargo box, and a chapter will close. Until then, I cherish every ride, every laugh, every moment.
Cargo bike, I love you. Always have, always will. You are my hero.
A huge thank you to the pioneering brands that dared to dream and redefine what’s possible—Urban Arrow, Riese & Müller, Tern—you’ve elevated cargo bikes to an aspirational status.
And let’s be clear: the Range Rover clogging up the school run for a 1.5 km journey isn’t cool. The mum rolling up with a cargo bike and a confident attitude? Now that’s cool. We have the power to redefine what’s aspirational, and cargo bikes are leading the way.
Next time you see a mum on a cargo bike, give her a nod—she’s out there leading the way.
If you’ve ever hauled a week’s groceries, a pet, or even a surprise passenger in your cargo bike, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or tag us in your best cargo bike moment!
The post A Tribute to Cargo Bikes appeared first on Greenaer - eBike Specialists.